A MAN accused of killing Julie Smailes, who was found strangled, stabbed and burned in her home five years ago, has appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.
Darren Willis, 30, spoke only to confirm his name at the short hearing yesterday.
Miss Smailes' body was discovered by firefighters in her burnt-out terraced house at Leadgate, County Durham, on October 30, 1996.
The 28-year-old had been strangled and stabbed 45 times in the bedroom of her home.
Willis, of Park Villas, Leadgate, was remanded in custody until a further hearing on February 4.
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